About Motor-CAD

Motor-CAD is a unique software package for the thermal analysis of electric motors and generators. Developed more than 12 years ago, Motor-CAD is used by major motor manufacturers and universities worldwide.

The software is used to optimise the cooling of a wide variety of motor types and cooling methods, and provides rapid analysis of design and manufacturing changes. Its analytical based algorithms give instantaneous calculation speeds and allow 'what-if' analysis in real time. The fast calculation speeds are huge benefit when modelling complex duty cycles, such as traction motor drive cycles, and applications such as elevator load cycles.

Motor-CAD modules are available for the following motor types:

• brushless permanent magnet motors (BPM)
• outer rotor BPM motors
• induction motors
• permanent magnet DC machines
• switched reluctance motors
• synchronous machines
• claw pole machines
• universal motors

The images showing on this page also highlight the different motor types and some of the many different housing types available in Motor-CAD.

Motor-CAD models are available for the following cooling methods:

• natural convection (TENV)
• forced convection (TEFC)
• through ventilation
• water jackets (several configurations)
• submersible
• wet rotor and wet stator
• spray cooling
• radiation
• conduction

Users are also able to include various mounting configurations in the model that can provide heating or extra cooling to the machine.

The software has a carefully constructed user interface that makes for easy data input and interpretation of results. Many of the features that make Motor-CAD the perfect optimisation tool have been developed in close consultation with customers to meet the needs of the industry. This image shows the interface for our 3D Viewer.

Thermal Calculation

The thermal model in Motor-CAD is based upon analytical lumped-circuit analysis making it extremely fast to calculate. This allows the user to perform 'what-if' calculations in real time. Alternative numerical methods typically require days or even weeks to model and several hours to calculate a solution.

All the thermal resistances and capacitances in the Motor-CAD model are calculated automatically from geometric dimensions and material properties. The user does not need to be familiar with complex heat transfer phenomena such as dimensionless analysis correlations for convection. Motor-CAD automatically selects and solves the most appropriate formulation for a given surface and the cooling type selected. Motor-CAD features efficient, accurate and robust mathematical algorithms for forced and natural convection, liquid cooling, radiation and conduction. An extensive library of proven laminar and turbulent convection correlations are used to give accurate models for all internal and external surfaces. The airgap model includes laminar, vortex and turbulent convection.